Thomas Eugene Samp Taylor, 61

Thomas E. "Samp" Taylor was born on 31 October, 1952, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Clarence "Skinny" Jones and Frances (Taylor) Thomas. He died on 14 January, 2014, in Bremerton, Washington.

Samp was raised and attended Dunbar Elementary, Tomlinson Junior High and graduated from Lawton High School. He was a dedicated member of Christ Temple, where he was an active member in the youth department.

After high school, Tom joined the United States Army where he served in Okinawa, Japan, until he was medically discharged in 1973. After his discharge, he attended Okmulgee Tech to become a welder. Upon graduation as a certified welder, Tom moved to Seattle, Washington, to pursue his goal as a certified welder. Tom was hired as a Naval welder at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. At the shipyard, Tom was constantly recognized by the leadership for his excellent work. He labored on ships for 35 five years before retiring in 2013.

Tom never stopped learning. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in international studies from the University of Puget Sound. He was an avid gardener and naturist. His yard was immaculate and he had a knack of building raised flower beds. One of Tom's last acts building was building above ground flower beds for his mother. They were so very close.

He enjoyed fishing and raised chickens at home. He was constantly building coops for his chickens and hens. His favorite rooster "Red" will be interred with him.

In addition to his work as a welder, Tom worked as a counselor with troubled youth. Tom had many friends. One of his favorite passages in the Bible is Apostle Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." He spent many hours trying to give hope into the lives of troubled youth in the Seattle area.

I have known Tom all of my life and I have yet to see him feud, fuss or get angry with anyone.

Tom was preceded in death by his dad and a sister Rose Ione Jones and his dear niece Kidada Bentley.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, Feb.9 at 4 p.m. at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in downtown Bremerton.